Director of R&D

Paragon Genomics • Fremont, CA

1d • $170,000 - $200,000

About The Position

Director of R&D will lead Paragon Genomics’ assay design and development strategy and execution for next-generation sequencing products and laboratory developed tests. This leader will oversee the design, feasibility assessment, analytical validation, and transfer of novel assays, with particular focus on precision oncology, liquid biopsy, minimal residual disease (MRD), and other high-value molecular diagnostics applications.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in molecular biology, NGS assay and workflow development, regulated product development, and cross-functional leadership. This role is expected to build technical capability, shape the R&D roadmap, and partner closely with bioinformatics, operations, quality, product management, and commercial teams to translate scientific innovation into robust products.

Requirements

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Pathology, Genetics, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline; advanced industry leadership experience required.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in molecular research and development within life sciences, clinical diagnostics, or regulated biotech environments, including meaningful team leadership responsibility.
• Demonstrated expertise in NGS assay development, library preparation, target enrichment, sequencing workflows, and molecular diagnostic methods.
• Strong track record of developing innovative assays and advancing programs from research through development, validation, and transfer for commercialization.
• Hands-on knowledge of assay design principles, including gene target curation, primer and probe design, nucleic acid quantification and QC, and bioinformatics integration for variant analysis.
• Experience working in regulated settings and familiarity with LDT validation, design controls, and regulatory documentation or submissions.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to translate complex technical issues into clear decisions and action plans.

Nice To Haves

• Direct experience with MRD assay development, especially NGS-based MRD, cell-free DNA, or other ultra-sensitive oncology monitoring applications, is a strong plus.
• Experience in molecular oncology, hematologic malignancies, liquid biopsy, cell-free DNA, methylation, Sanger sequencing, MLPA, or related advanced molecular techniques is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leadership & Mentorship: Provide strategic direction for assay development programs and ensure alignment with company goals, portfolio priorities, and launch timelines. Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of scientists in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
• Innovation: Identify and evaluate emerging technologies in molecular diagnostics, oncology, and NGS. Drive ideation and feasibility work for new tools, chemistries, and workflows that improve assay performance, scalability, and cost efficiency.
• Research Oversight: Oversee experimental design, study execution, data review, and technical decision-making across innovation, assay development, and validation activities. Ensure scientific rigor, reproducibility, and clear documentation.
• Assay Design & Optimization: Lead the development and optimization of end-to-end workflows, including target selection, primer and probe design, library preparation, target enrichment, sequencing, and integration with bioinformatics pipelines for variant detection and reporting.
• Product Development: Drive the lifecycle of NGS-based assays and LDTs from concept through analytical validation and handoff for launch. Support applications such as gene fusion detection, expression profiling, biomarker-driven diagnostics, and emerging MRD-focused workflows.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Product Management, Marketing, Operations, Quality, Regulatory, and Bioinformatics to align technical programs with business objectives and successful product commercialization.
• Communication: Present study plans, technical findings, milestones, and recommendations to internal stakeholders, executive leadership, and external collaborators as needed.

Benefits

• Paragon Genomics offers a competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits for eligible employees, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, 401(k), paid time off, and stock options.
• Final compensation will depend on experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees